Yes, forging ahead is easily done with minor attention to the leak as long as it stays as a minor leak. You could have a leak under the end caps on the cover, easy oring replacement there.
But, having Mike do his magic on the head and block would be ideal if you wish to reward Dash for all the great miles he has given you since you built him and began that phase of your ownership. You would not have to go crazy on the headwork, but Mike can build him back up to be a great highway and twisty riad bike without killing the fuel economy. You can rest easy he knows very well what to do on the 550 head and motor to return to you a powerful and renewed Dash. Plus he has all the contacts and sources to get the parts and work at his prices. Sporting a small JMR sticker will add hp & torque by itself I hear. Just ask Brent Waller.
Your Duc will like the attention I am sure in Dash's absence. Just go with a good private owner/operator outfit with good reviews if you do choose to have Dash shipped to Cali. Do recognize that availability of carriers will drop to near nothing in the dead of winter if snow is flying across the country.
Good luck with your decision.
If you can get the pucks sent to someone near where you will be traveling, then installing them will be less than 1/2 day's work. You will need to source some replacement orings while you have the cover off. You can use foot powder, spray-on kind, to find your oil leak location(s) after a good cleaning of the cylinders, head and cover. It looks to me like you have more than just a puck leak give the oil locations. It is interesting how a small amount of oil can make a big mess.
I agree. I think that it is just easier to keep the fins stuffed on that left side and trudge on. If I decide it is to much I am certain someone along my route will let me store Dash and then I can shop him back. But so far we are determined to go forward. No stinking oil leak is going to stop us! We are SOHC -4 strong
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+1
You're my hero Lisa
Agreed!! 100000%
